I usually post in the Classic Atlantic salmon area, however, I have just come back from a trip to Patagonia Chile, and wanted to share a bit with all the other trout anglers out there.

I went there in mid March which is towards the tail end of their season which ends sometime in mid to late April.

What I experienced can only be described as trout nirvana! Patagonia has so many rivers, lakes and small streams that it can become dizzying trying to keep the names all straight.

I fished for about 12 days staight and NEVER saw the same water twice. I was fishing with two different lodges in Chile, Cinco Rios and Estancia Del Zorro. Both were excellent! I will most likely be guiding for them there next winter and cannot wait!

Although there are many guides and outfitters to choose from you can still fish on your own if you choose to do so. Obviously, it is better to have a guide or go through an outfitter your first time around, but you can still explore on your own if you want. Make sure you have a good 4x4 to get you in and out! There is only one paved road in Patagonia.

I caught lots of fish in the 12-17 inch range and managed to release about 20-30 fish in the 18-25 inch range while I was there as well. Although the water was a bit low and the major hatches already past, it was an incredible experience. I did not spend all that much time searching for big fish, as I was sort of in training and trying to see as much water as possible but let me tell you, there are a lot of big fish around there.

Along with the trout you also have KING salmon that run into some of the rivers there as well. These fish can get up to 65 pounds or even bigger! I was a bit late to fish for them and saw a bunch of dead ones but I am looking forward to hooking into one next year on my 5 or 6 wt rod!

Along with the excellent fishing opportunities, Chile also has great food, amazing scenery and very friendly people. It is safe, fun and worth the 20+ hour flight to get there! If you go, make sure that you do a bit of research before you leave! If anyone has any questions about Patagonia and my experience there, please feel free to send me a PM.